Kitchen Aid Vs ?

Decorating By Cakerer Updated 25 Nov 2006 , 10:46pm by Narie

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Cakerer Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 12:43am
post #1 of 32

I was hoping to get a little input. My GE Mixer is on it's last leg icon_cry.gif and I've put a KA on my wish list for Christmas. I've been browsing and I noticed many of the KA (less than $325) are only 250-325 watts icon_surprised.gif . My GE is 350 watts and was less than $150 5 years ago. Is it that the motor is just more durable in the KA's? In a perfect world, I'd like to get a new one before the old one dies so I can use 1 for batter and 1 for frosting icon_biggrin.gif

31 replies
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Laura102777 Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 12:52am
post #2 of 32

I recently got a refurbished Kitchen Aid Pro 600 directly from Kitchen Aid for $255 including shipping. It's a 575 watt with a 6 qt bowl. It's awesome! icon_biggrin.gif

If you're looking for something with high watts in a lower price range brand new, alot of people on here like the Cooks stand mixers from JC Penney. Never tried one myself, but alot of people rave about them.

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patticakesnc Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 12:55am
post #3 of 32

I got the cooks from JC Penny. 700 watts for $199 (on sale right now) and it is amazing!

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cakesbymom Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 1:00am
post #4 of 32

I got my KA 350 from Mervyn's a year ago for $225 if I remember right. I have had no problems and absolutely love it!

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Cakerer Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 1:30am
post #5 of 32

I checked the KA site ealier today for refurbished items. Guess I didn't look hard enuf. I'll also check out the one at JCP.

THANKS!

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ErinOBrien Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 1:36am
post #6 of 32

My hubby suprised me with a KA Pro 5 quart. I had wanted one for so long but could never spend the $$$.

He was able to find a KA refurbished with a 6 month Warr. on Amazon for 187, no shipping.

It was a great deal and runs perfect.

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Cakerer Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 1:45am
post #7 of 32

OMG - I just checked JCP.com...the cooks mixer is 5 qt, 500 watts - for 149.99!!!! and in SC, this weekend it tax free - WOW....forget waiting on hubby to buy this, I'll just buy it myself (with his $ of course icon_smile.gif)

CORRECTION! It's 700 watts for $149

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Laura102777 Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 1:36pm
post #8 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cakerer

OMG - I just checked JCP.com...the cooks mixer is 5 qt, 500 watts - for 149.99!!!! and in SC, this weekend it tax free - WOW....forget waiting on hubby to buy this, I'll just buy it myself (with his $ of course icon_smile.gif)

CORRECTION! It's 700 watts for $149




That sounds awesome! If I hadn't just gotten my KA, I'd have to go grab one of those!

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Laura102777 Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 1:37pm
post #9 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cakerer

I checked the KA site ealier today for refurbished items. Guess I didn't look hard enuf. I'll also check out the one at JCP.

THANKS!




You do have to do a little digging. Here's the link, though:

http://www.shopkitchenaid.com/product_list.asp?SKW=KTAFACTSTAND&HDR=outlet

icon_smile.gif

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Crimsicle Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 2:28pm
post #10 of 32

Yeah, the KA refurbished and closeout area is kinda hard to find...but worth it. I bought a professional 600 that way...and a food processor...and a blender. Not a minute's problem with any of them. KA is the only way to go, and for me...it's refurbished from the manufacturer!

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mamacc Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 11:25pm
post #11 of 32

I have a 6 qt. kenwood(now Delonghi) stand mixer. It's 1200 watts!!
I didn't realize this until I looked under the mixer the other day. icon_biggrin.gif This has been a great mixer. I've had it for a few years with no problems at all. I'm not sure how much the Delonghi's are going for today but I paid around $400.

Courtney

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cigarHerb Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 11:39pm
post #12 of 32

The top of the line mixers are Hobart, but you are looking at several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on size.

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AnythingSugar Posted 21 Nov 2006 , 11:51pm
post #13 of 32

I have the Cook's from Penney's and wouldn't trade it. I have mixed multiple batchs of stiff buttercream at once and it never hesitated. I really wanted a KA but DH bought me this one and now I would not trade it for a KA. It has 700 watts.

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Cakerer Posted 23 Nov 2006 , 6:04am
post #14 of 32

I called JCP earlier tonight and they only have 2 left! I'm really pushing the cheap card....our tax rate is not so bad that I must wait until this weekend - of course, I'll fight the holiday shoppers as well.....

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patticakesnc Posted 23 Nov 2006 , 6:33am
post #15 of 32

Go online now and get it! It is $149 with free shipping. I just checked the JC Penny site.

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BriAnnas Posted 23 Nov 2006 , 6:35am
post #16 of 32

doesn't the cooks attachments look like black plastic? or is it made of something else? cause i wouldn't think plastic would be good...

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meghabyte Posted 23 Nov 2006 , 4:22pm
post #17 of 32

I LOVE my Kitchen Aid, but I'd be open to trying something new if it gave out on me. But it's just so PRETTY... icon_smile.gif

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ShirleyW Posted 23 Nov 2006 , 4:48pm
post #18 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by mamacc

I have a 6 qt. kenwood(now Delonghi) stand mixer. It's 1200 watts!!
I didn't realize this until I looked under the mixer the other day. icon_biggrin.gif This has been a great mixer. I've had it for a few years with no problems at all. I'm not sure how much the Delonghi's are going for today but I paid around $400.

Courtney




My Kenwood is an 7 quart, 650 Watt that I got on closeout from Williams-Sonoma for $249.00 which was a great deal, but yours has twice the power. I love that mixer, it is a workhorse. Twice the power of the KitchenAid and yet the mixer is much lighter to lift if you have to move it. So if any of you can find a Delonghi or even a refurbished Kenwood at a reasonable price I would say it is a good investment.

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patticakesnc Posted 23 Nov 2006 , 4:57pm
post #19 of 32

Briannas

No they are not plastic. They are metal attachements.

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stlalohagal Posted 24 Nov 2006 , 3:53am
post #20 of 32

I'm glad somebody started this discussion again. I posted something similar about a month ago. Anyway, I've been waiting for this weekend's big sales... to be big disappointments. In my previous post folks responded with the refurbished units which are under $200, but also a lot said there would be great sales this weekend getting them under $200 or right at $200. The lowest I can find the KA 5Q on sale for is $279 and it includes a $20 Mail In Rebate. Linen's N Things offers a 20% off which brings it to $220. I was still hoping to get a new unit for under $200. Does not look like that is possible. Guess the prices have just gone up. I'm willing to give in and go for the Cooks brand if it's really reliable and for the price $149 it's amazing. Reg price was $299. My only concern is it's an import from China... where do you get service if needed - back at JCP?

Anyhow, my other question to you all tonight is what's the big diff on the KA 5Q vs the 4.5Q other than the watts? Does that extra wattage make a BIG diff,... I'm a real dummy on these as I've only ever had a hand mixer and that was inherited from my mom. I've been borrowing my MIL stand mixer, no name, just a refurbished unit from a Kitchen Supply house that her DH bought her last Christmas. We both think its junk. Anyone have one that they'd care to comment on.... the 4.5Q one that is? They are under $200, around $169. Or is it still a better deal looking at the Cooks brand.

Thanks!

- Paula

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Cakerer Posted 24 Nov 2006 , 4:08am
post #21 of 32

Hey Paula - if there's a JCP in your area you may want to drop in and check out the cooks and maybe to Lowes/Sears, etc, to check out the KA. Everyone I know that has a KA, loves it. And according to the replies - those who have a Cooks love it as well. My only thing is....if you buy a refurbished KA, doesn't that mean that it 'died' on someone (of course, it was obviously replaced). Its really confusing. I plan to investigate the return policy & warranty no matter which mixer I buy. I too, really need to keep the price under $200. Good luck. Let us know which one you choose.

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Laura102777 Posted 24 Nov 2006 , 4:11am
post #22 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cakerer

Hey Paula - if there's a JCP in your area you may want to drop in and check out the cooks and maybe to Lowes/Sears, etc, to check out the KA. Everyone I know that has a KA, loves it. And according to the replies - those who have a Cooks love it as well. My only thing is....if you buy a refurbished KA, doesn't that mean that it 'died' on someone (of course, it was obviously replaced). Its really confusing. I plan to investigate the return policy & warranty no matter which mixer I buy. I too, really need to keep the price under $200. Good luck. Let us know which one you choose.




Refurbished doesn't necessarily mean anything was wrong with it. Sometimes there was damage in shipping, sometimes even just damage to the box with nothing wrong with the mixer at all. It could be a nick or a scratch or some minor cosmetic imperfection. Refurbished just means that it went back to the factory and was checked over to make sure it was in top working condition before being resold.

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Cakerer Posted 24 Nov 2006 , 4:18am
post #23 of 32

Refurbished doesn't necessarily mean anything was wrong with it. Sometimes there was damage in shipping, sometimes even just damage to the box with nothing wrong with the mixer at all. It could be a nick or a scratch or some minor cosmetic imperfection. Refurbished just means that it went back to the factory and was checked over to make sure it was in top working condition before being resold.[/quote]

Never thought about it that way......that just makes my decision harder icon_cry.gif I checked out the KA site and was impressed with the models available in the outlet.

edited: Ok..so I still don't know how to 'quote'...... icon_redface.gif

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stlalohagal Posted 24 Nov 2006 , 4:45am
post #24 of 32

I'M SO EXCITED!!!!

I just did some real digging and found this at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005UP2K/?tag=cakecentral-20

This is just a plain white KA Artisan 5Q mixer brand new for $199 + $20 mail In rebate. Plus Save $25.00 when you spend $125.00 or more on Kitchen & Housewares or Bed & Bath products offered by Amazon.com. Enter code NOVSAVER at checkout.

Final Price: $ 154 + FREE SHIPPING!!!!

Wow oh Wow!!!! DH just let me order it for Christmas!!!! (I told him it would cover our Anniversary and my Birthday next year too!)

I'm going to post this as a new thread as well so folks see it!

- Paula

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denise4 Posted 24 Nov 2006 , 10:29am
post #25 of 32

PLEASE tell me if any mixers out there have covers over the bowels when mixing...I AM SICK OF "THE PUFF OF POWDERED SUGAR EVERYWHERE"...I cant put anything over mine as the bowel rotates too. my mixer is only a cheap one icon_sad.gif ...I'm hoping Santa will bring me a new one...got to tell him which one though icon_wink.gif

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patticakesnc Posted 24 Nov 2006 , 3:45pm
post #26 of 32

Yes the Cooks comes with a cover.

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denise4 Posted 24 Nov 2006 , 5:31pm
post #27 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by patticakesnc

Yes the Cooks comes with a cover.




exellent!! thanks icon_smile.gif

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Briarview Posted 24 Nov 2006 , 6:54pm
post #28 of 32

I have just purchased a Kenwood 1200watts, 6ltr bowl for $NZ1020 . (about $US666) I have had a Kenwood for over 40 years(now you know my ageicon_smile.gif bought for 70pounds (before decimal currency) and have never had a problem with it. Because I am now making lots of cakes thought I had better have one on standby should it die. Also had to do the bigger cakes in two batches which is a pain. Did see KA but thought no stick with Kenwood !

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Cakerer Posted 25 Nov 2006 , 1:57am
post #29 of 32

Just an FYI - I went to JCP today to get the Cooks. It's $199 at the store but online it's $149.99 w/free shipping. Go figure. I came home & ordered it online. I cannot believe there was that much difference......

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patticakesnc Posted 25 Nov 2006 , 2:05am
post #30 of 32

They should have priced matched. Did you think to ask them? Normally they will price match if they have it on sale on the site.

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